PennDOT opens bids for Marshalls Creek traffic relief project

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has opened bids for construction of a park-and-ride lot and other improvements in the first stage of work on the downsized Marshalls Creek Traffic Relief project in Middle Smithfield Township.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has opened bids for construction of a park-and-ride lot and other improvements in the first stage of work on the downsized Marshalls Creek Traffic Relief project in Middle Smithfield Township.

Leeward Construction Inc. of Honesdale submitted a low bid of $6.3 million to build the 418-space lot adjacent to the Pocono Bazaar on Route 209. PennDOT officials are now reviewing the bid documents and will next award the contract and issue a notice to proceed with construction in February.

The lot will be illuminated and maintained by PennDOT's Monroe County maintenance crew. It should help reduce traffic volume on Route 209 by encouraging ride sharing by commuters.

Also included in the contract is work to complete the relocation of Oak Grove Drive to the east side of the Bazaar so that it aligns with Mount Nebo Road at a new signalized intersection with Route 209.

Improvements to Oak Grove Drive also include construction of a new bridge over Pond Creek, located north of Route 209.

The project will require the closure and detour of exiting Oak Grove Drive as well as occasional off-peak lane closures on Route 209. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.

For more information, visit the project Web site: www.marshallscreektrafficrelief.com